Anacardium occidentale
Anacardium occidentalefam. Anacardiaceae
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Pl. 976C — Anacardium occidentale
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IOverview
Overview
Anacardium occidentale, known as the cashew tree, thrives in moist and light soils within its native range across West Africa, from Angola to Liberia. This evergreen tree can grow up to 12 meters tall and is valued for its edible fruit, leaves, seeds, and shoots. Native to regions including Angola, Benin, Cameroon, and Gabon, the cashew tree is adaptable to full sun and various soil types, making it a versatile plant in cultivation. Its distinctive feature includes a fleshy, kidney-shaped appendage at the base of the cashew fruit, which is often mistaken for the seed but is actually the true fruit of the tree.
Quick answers
What is Anacardium occidentale?
Anacardium occidentale, known as the cashew tree, thrives in moist and light soils within its native range across West Africa, from Angola to Liberia. This evergreen tree can grow up to 12 meters tall and is valued for its edible fruit, leaves, seeds, and shoots.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Anacardium occidentale thrives in full sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 9-12, making it suitable for tropical and subtropical climates. The plant grows to a height of 12 meters and produces edible fruit, leaves, seeds, and shoots. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
9-12
Mature size
12.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Anacardium occidentale for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, full-sun position and well-draining soil for your first Anacardium occidentale.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, potting mix, containers or garden space.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the soil is warm and moist.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a well-draining potting mix with light, medium, or heavy texture for outdoor planting.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the ground or start them indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Transplant young plants after all danger of frost has passed.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged, and place in a sunny spot.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun exposure and regular watering. Fertilize with a balanced plant food every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune young plants to shape them, but avoid heavy pruning as it can stress the tree. Harvest fruits when they are ripe and fully colored.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, under-fertilizing, not providing enough sunlight, transplant shock from moving the plant, and excessive pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitLeavesSeedShoots
Edible uses: Oil, Gum
Other uses:AdhesiveFire starterGumHedgerowInkPest controloilPlant supportPreservativeErosion controlTanninVarnishWaterproofingLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
25 native · 5 introduced
Distribution
25 native · 5 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 25 native· 5 introduced
Asia2 regions
introduced (2)BangladeshIndia
Americas9 regions
native (8)BoliviaColombiaEcuadorFrench GuianaGuyanaPeruSurinameVenezuela
introduced (1)Belize
Africa10 regions
native (9)AngolaBeninCameroonCôte d'IvoireGabonGuineaLiberiaRwandaTogo
introduced (1)Angola
Broader regions
native:Central African Repu, Brazil North, Zaïre, Brazil Northeast, Gulf of Guinea Is., Brazil Southeast, Brazil West-Central, Trinidad-Tobago
introduced:Andaman Is.
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Anacardiaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Anacardiaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 976c3adb-07bc-4e92-87f9-7e9cf664fb2b
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